click to enlarge
1959 PTV

Built in Manresa, near Barcelona, by Automoviles Utilitarios S. A., the pretty little PTV (named after company owners Perramon, Tacho and Vila) was the second-biggest-selling microcar in Spain, next to Biscuter. While the latter was strictly a primitive, utilitarian device, the PTV was- with its proper doors, 2-tone paint, chrome trim and 12-inch wheels- intended for a more upscale, discerning clientele.

After a lengthy 2-year development period, the prototype appeared in 1956, featuring an in-house 250cc motor with aluminum piston and head, which drove the rear wheels. Independent front suspension, large diameter wheels and snug, enclosed bodywork even allowed discussion of driving comfort- a subject not remotely considered by a Biscuter driver.

The car was improved over the years with the addition of bumpers and other extras. A 350cc motor was planned for later cars but was never actually put into production.

Inevitably, the end came from competition with a "real" car- the Fiat 600, license-built in Spain as the SEAT 600. This mass-produced, not-much-more-expensive car, had four cylinders and four seats, and simply steamrollered over the hand built PTV- a scene repeated all over Europe in the late 1950's.

AUSA is still with us today, producing utility equipment and forklift trucks.

Manufacturer: Automobiles Utilitarios S. A., Manresa, Spain

Model: PTV 250 Motor: AUSA 2-stroke Body : Steel
Years Built: 1959 - 1961 No. Cylinders: 1 Chassis: Tube
No. Produced: 1100 Displacement: 250 cc Suspension Front: Coil
No. Surviving: n/a Horsepower: 13 Suspension Rear: Coil
Length: 2820 mm Gearbox: 3 fwd + 1 rev Steering: Rack & Pinion
Width: 1240 mm Starter: Electric Brakes: Hydraulic
Weight: 320 kg Electrics: 12 v 4 Wheels: 4.00 x 12"
Interior: Bench Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 95 kph

© 2002